Consent mooted prior to projects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2011: To review the trend of introducing policies and projects for mega dams construction in Manipur and to work out strategies based on the experiences of communities and people affected by such development process, a day-long consultation programme was organised by Citizens' Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) at Manipur Press Club here today.

The first session of the consultation saw representatives of various communities and leaders affected by different mega projects in Manipur sharing their experiences.

Participating in the consultation, co-chairman of CCDD Aram Pamei spoke about the possible impacts of Tipaimukh dam on the people settled in and around the project site and submergence of fertile agricultural land along Barak river and its tributaries.

She contended that people's consent, opinions and views should be taken into consideration by the Government before a final decision on the construction of dam instead of insisting on force.

Kinderson Pamei of Committee on Land and Natural Resources pointed out that the Government had signed MoU with the project authorities despite people's opposition.

The process of taking free, prior and informed consent as endorsed by the World Commission on Dams and UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a key process before any dam construction.

Furthermore, he pointed out that there is no impact assessment conducted on Tipaimukh dam and the public hearings represent a fraud process where the Indian military are even involved in some of the hearings at Tamenglong.

Honreikhui Kashung of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organisation (MDAVO) observed that Mapithel dam would submerge the only valley and cultivable land along Mapithel village along Thoubal river, which produces rice and many other seasonal vegetables.

The Government has violated the agreements signed in 1993 and the insincerity of the Government has been testified from changing the chairman in all the Expert Review meetings.

Thanmi Kashung, also of MDAVO, also stressed on the need for full review of the Mapithel Dam project.

Co-ordinator of Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organisation Letsei Mate pointed out that Mapithel Dam has also impacted the downstream portion of Thoubal river and affected many communities belonging to Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis, etc.

The coffer dam construction too has led to reduction in fishing activities of the communities.

The project authorities confiscate land at minimal rate and the Government committed serious human rights violations on affected people who are demanding their rights, he alleged.

Comment